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Arno Bernard Sr. is a legendary figure in the world of knifemaking, with a career spanning over four decades. Born with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Arno embarked on his journey into the art of knifemaking in 1979, in the picturesque town of Bethlehem, Eastern Free State, South Africa. What began as a solitary pursuit evolved into a lifelong passion and profession.

By 1992, Arno Bernard Sr. transitioned to full-time knifemaking, dedicating himself to perfecting his craft and became a member of the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa in 1994. By 1996, he’d stopped his previous occupation as a school psychologist to focus on making knives. In 2005, Sporting Classic Magazine chose two of his knives for their Knife of the Year project. All 150 sets were sold out before April 2005, making it the most successful project in the history of the magazine. He continues to uphold the tradition of handcrafting custom knives. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, he utilizes some of the rarest and most exotic materials sourced from South Africa and beyond. From mammoth ivory and kudu horn to giraffe bone and unique synthetic materials, each piece reflects his commitment to quality and artistry and pays homage to his country.

While Arno Bernard Sr. continues to hand build each knife, Arno's sons established Arno Bernard Knives in 2005, a testament to their shared dedication and craftsmanship. The sons' company employs CNC machines for precision, though they remain true to many of Arno Bernard Sr.'s original designs. The knives by his sons feature a logo with a circled "AB" while Arno Bernard Sr.'s knives simply say Arno Bernard on the blades.

One of Arno Bernard Sr.'s hallmarks is his signature high-performance hollow grind, ground entirely by hand on a grinder he made himself. This method ensures excellent sharpness and prevents blades from becoming thicker at the edge after many sharpenings. His designs are not merely knives, but enduring works of art that promise to retain their allure and functionality for generations to come.

Arno Bernard Sr.'s knives are prized -- not only for their craftsmanship -- but also for their exceptional value. They have earned a reputation for combining collector-grade materials with unparalleled artistry, making them a must-have for any serious knife enthusiast. Whether for practical use or as a centerpiece in a collection, a knife from Arno Bernard Sr. represents a timeless investment in quality and heritage.

Affiliations:

• Southern Africa Knifemakers' Guild